Aussies march on

Australia have wrapped up their fourth win over the World Cup with a convincing seven-wicket success over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

The holders seemed in little trouble in the Pool A encounter as Damien Martyn and Darren Lehmann safely steered them past their 247-run target with half centuries in an unbroken stand of 88.

Zimbabwe were indebted to half centuries from Andy Flower and Andy Blignaut as they posted 246 for nine from their 50 overs.

Flower revived the innings after a shaky start with an aggressive 62 that included eight fours. Flower also shared in a stand of 84 with brother Grant but three middle order wickets for left-arm spinner Brad Hogg put Australia back in charge.

That changed when Blignaut came to the crease as the Zimbabwe paceman blasted the ball to all parts with a rapid 54. He cracked eight fours and brought up his half century with the second of two enormous straight sixes.

Skipper Heath Streak then hit a run-a-ball unbeaten 28 to make the total competitive but it still looked wholly inadequate once Australia opener Adam Gilchrist got to work.

Gilchrist played with typical haste as he blasted his way to 61 from 65 balls, hitting eight fours along the way.

He easily outscored partner Matthew Hayden, but he too showed plenty of attacking inclination on his way to 34. Skipper Ricky Ponting was far more circumspect in his 38 but his dismissal sparked no more than minor alarm.

Martyn and Lehmann finished unbeaten with 50 and 56 respectively as Australia ended the game in fairly tame fashion with 15 balls to spare.